God first, then others, finally yourself

[Clou]

Hello brothers and sisters, I am a new christian and im looking forward to getting to know you.

My question today is about putting god and others first. It this very literal and constant? For example, should I always, without fail, let my daughter walk in the house first, serve her breakfast first, bath her before myself. Also where do pets come into this? Should I be filling their food bowl in the morning before I even consider putting some toast in. I know these sound like simple questions but for me it will help. Also would different denominations have different answers to these questions?

Thank you in advance, god bless you all.

 

[strelok0017]

Hi.

My opinion, and I find it Scripturally provable, is that the sense we are to put others before us and God before us is not really separate. It might be but here I would like to take Romans 14 for an example. It is a chapter in which Apostle Paul talks about food and drinks and observing of different days as something that should be guided by our conscience.

Conscience is a very important matter in a Christian life. In fact it is essential because Paul warns that some have made a shipwreck of their faith.

We should serve others first but according to the example given in Romans 14 that does not exclude ourselves, unless someone stumbles over what we are doing.

I don't think that pets come into this at all because there is no example in the Bible that says that we ought to love animals as ourselves or that we ought to serve animals. Animals don't stumble over what we do but that, however, does not mean that we can't love animals. God made them and it is only good to love them because He does.

All I'm trying to say is that you should be guided by your conscience. Jesus said that it is His food to do the will of the Father. We can only ask ourselves: "Does this apply for us too?". Of course, that sort of food will not keep our body running but it will keep our conscience and soul running. I'm sorry if I sound confusing here.

We are to seek the Kingdom of God first and His righteousness. All else will be added to us.

To sum it up, my opinion is that you should seek the Lord on this even if it sounds simple but you should feel free regarding pets. To be sure, be kind to them but the Bible never equates the needs of animals with the needs of people. However, be sure to follow a good conscience. If you think that the Lord wants you to serve everyone before yourself, do it. I really wish I had more knowledge on this field after one year of being a Christian but that's all I can say.

Good conscience matters a lot and the Lord wants us to have it. God bless you!

 

[1watchman]

Christianity and blessings are very practical. As the little Sunday School lesson for children has often been expressed on how to know JOY: "JOY is Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself" third.

 

[renewed21]

My question today is about putting god and others first. It this very literal and constant? For example, should I always, without fail, let my daughter walk in the house first, serve her breakfast first, bath her before myself.
Thank you in advance, god bless you all.

No, that's being a bit too literal. It's about our how our actions and thoughts give evidence to our relationship with God.

Do my thoughts/word/actions show:

-the world revolves around me?
-my happiness is more important than others?
-the utmost of importance is my benefiting
-God has preeminence in my life?

When you speak or act or think of someone, just picture the fact that you are actually speaking to Christ Himself because how we specifically treat others we are actually doing so to Christ.

Hope this isn't too vague. Keep ask questions on the forum. It is a good place to grow, but nothing can beat daily prayer and daily study of God's Word.

 

[Emmy]

Dear Clou. Jesus tells us in St.Matthews: " The first and great Commandment is: Love God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. The second is like it: Love our neighbour, ( all others, friends and not friends) as we love ourselves." God first, then all others, including ourselves. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[paul1149]

Clou,

I agree that that is too literal. The letter kills, but the spirit gives life (2Cor 3.6). When there is a conflict of purposes, we are to place God's above others. And we are to place others' wellbeing above our personal preferences. Love is the fulfillment of all these things.

 

[parsley]

Sayings like that are intended to inspire people to better lives. What you said is not a scriptural law. The more sermons you hear, the more you will realize that speakers have to fit their insights into 15 minutes and don't have the chance to explain themselves fully. Some will presume that everyone already knows certain things.

Each believer is in charge of discerning truth and learning about God for themselves. The more you connect with Him, the more you read the Bible, and care for others, the more sense this life will make.

You will find there are times you shouldn't let people take advantage of you, abusing your kindness and generosity. Putting your children before yourself might involve holding them more accountable, not less. If you desire the best for them, you will steer them into responsibility and motivation.

A situation where that slogan might fit: if a friend asks for help moving, taking a few hours our of your schedule can be as fun or meaningful as seeing a movie or working out at the gym. Self-reward is not always as rewarding as we imagine.

Empty-nesters talk about this -- they wish for years to have their own time, not consumed by family; and then once the kids move out, they wish the kids were needy toddlers again. We often think it's the money and freedom that is important to us, but without the social rewards, or meaningful influence, most of us would feel empty.

And it's that way with God too. If we put ourselves first, we never really meet Him or see what goodness and life fulfillment He intends for us.